7 Proven Tips to Prevent Landscaping from Erosion in Toronto

Preventing erosion keeps your yard fresh, maintains soil health, protects plants, and prevents structural damage. If you’re looking for long-term beauty and durability, these 7 proven tips can help you keep your landscape healthy and erosion-free.

With insights from landscaping contractors in Markham, Perfect View Renovation & Landscaping shares how residents can take control of erosion and maintain a vibrant landscape.

What Causes Erosion in Toronto Landscapes?

Toronto’s weather, especially its heavy rainfall and occasional spring flooding, can make erosion a common issue for you as a homeowner. The runoff from rain and melted snow wears away the soil, which can shift plants, expose roots, and even damage home foundations. Even though erosion is a natural process, it can be controlled and minimized with a few preventative techniques.

1. Plant Native Shrubs and Trees

Native plants are your best friends when stabilizing the soil. These plants are naturally adapted to the Toronto climate, so they establish deeper roots and lock the soil in place. According to our landscaping contractors in Markham, native plants also bring additional benefits, as they attract beneficial insects and require less water and maintenance.

Team Perfect View shares, “Shrubs and trees that belong to your area are essential because they can handle local weather stress. Plus, deep-rooted plants keep the soil from washing away.” Choosing the right mix of trees, shrubs, and ground cover helps you create a natural barrier against erosion.

2. Create Terraces on Slopes

Terracing is one of the most effective ways to stop soil erosion in sloped landscapes. If your yard is on a hill, building small terraces is ideal for breaking down the slope, which helps slow water runoff. This method involves creating leveled steps along the slope, which holds soil in place and allows plants to grow without slipping.

Perfect View Renovation & Landscaping recommends working with a home renovation company in Markham to design terraces that blend into the natural landscape. Terracing can add beauty and functionality to your garden, especially when paired with stone or wood walls.

3. Use Mulch as Ground Cover

One of the simplest ways to protect soil from erosion is by adding a thick layer of mulch. Mulch acts like a protective blanket, reducing the speed of water flow, retaining soil moisture, and blocking weeds that may compete for soil stability.

Did you know? Studies show that mulch can reduce erosion by up to 95% on bare soil. Adding a 2–4-inch layer of mulch around your plants prevents the soil from being washed away by Toronto’s rainstorms. Shredded wood and straw mulch work well, but ensure reapplying (as needed) to keep the soil covered.

4. Install Erosion Control Fabrics

Erosion control fabrics, aka geotextiles, are a hidden gem in landscape management. Made from biodegradable materials, these fabrics hold soil in place while allowing water to pass through. They are ideal for slopes, preventing soil displacement without disturbing plant growth.

Landscaping contractors in Scarborough often recommend geotextiles for areas with heavy runoff. “These fabrics are lifesavers for steep yards or areas where plants are still growing roots,” says our landscaping expert in Toronto. Placing the fabric on top of the soil and covering it with mulch provides an effective, eco-friendly solution to keep the soil in place.

5. Build Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are not just decorative; they’re a powerful defense against erosion. By physically blocking soil from moving downhill, retaining walls create a solid barrier to prevent soil and mulch from shifting. For areas with severe erosion problems, consider adding a retaining wall as part of your landscape services in Markham.

Retaining walls can be built using stone, wood, or concrete, and they can be customized to match your garden’s design.

6. Add Rain Gardens and Drainage Solutions

Rain gardens are strategically placed, shallow depressions filled with plants that absorb water. They reduce surface runoff by capturing rainwater, allowing it to slowly seep into the ground rather than flow off-site. Rain gardens can effectively prevent erosion when installed in areas prone to flooding.

Drainage solutions are also essential. Perfect View Renovation & Landscaping suggests that homeowners explore French drains, which direct water away from vulnerable areas. “Many clients in Markham and nearby areas see a massive improvement after installing rain gardens combined with French drains,” explains one of our leading landscaping contractors in Mississauga. Proper drainage and rain gardens can reduce the chance of soil erosion even in the heaviest rainstorms in Toronto.

7. Add Rocks and Gravel

Rocks and gravel are functional and aesthetic additions that reduce erosion in your yard. Using them in high-traffic areas, around walkways, or on slopes can create a barrier against runoff while allowing rainwater to sink into the ground. In fact, landscaping contractors in Brampton note that homeowners who add rock borders near sloped gardens or alongside water features experience less soil loss.

When placed around plants and in garden beds, rocks, and gravel prevent soil from washing away while still providing natural drainage. They’re also great for creating contrast in your landscape design, adding texture and color to the overall look.

Benefits of Erosion Prevention

Preventing erosion is more than aesthetics—it’s also a cost-saving measure. Homes that implement erosion control see fewer repairs and a healthier garden ecosystem. “Soil is your garden’s lifeblood. If it’s slipping away, it affects everything: plant health, water retention, and the look of your garden,” explains our landscaping contractor in Toronto.

Using these tips can help you create a balanced, sustainable landscape that stands the test of time. Erosion control measures protect not just your property but also the environment by keeping sediment out of waterways and maintaining clean water.

FAQs

1. Why is erosion control important in Toronto?
It protects your yard from soil loss due to rain and runoff, prevents foundation damage, and maintains plant health in Toronto’s rainy climate.

2. How do I know if my yard has an erosion problem?
Look for exposed roots, patches of bare soil, or soil buildup around structures.

3. Can I plant anything to stop erosion?
Yes, native plants with deep roots stabilize the soil. Adding grasses and shrubs helps prevent soil movement and improves soil health.

4. What materials should I use for a retaining wall?
Retaining walls can be built with stone, wood, or concrete. The material depends on your garden’s style and the wall’s purpose.

5. How can I manage erosion on a slope?
Try terracing, using erosion-control fabric, or adding mulch. These techniques slow runoff, helping to reduce erosion on slopes.

In Conclusion

Applying these strategies to your landscaping plans will help you manage erosion, keeping your garden lush and vibrant. Trust Perfect View Renovation & Landscaping, a trusted home renovation company in Markham, to guide you through each step and ensure your landscape remains as stunning as ever, rain or shine.